DailyBuzz Food: Panera Bread

There is nothing quite like a nice hot bowl of soup on a chilly day in December. Vegetarian Black Bean Soup, to be exact. 

Creamy, steamy, and made fresh daily, Panera Bread's vegetarian black bean soup is to die for. I have been going to Panera Bread with my family for years, and I have never been disappointed. This soup is tied for my favorite with their French Onion. Also amazing, by the way. I highly recommend it. 

It is also perfect when paired with their Steak & Blue Cheese Chopped Salad. 

And how about a cookie from their bakery? They bakery offers so many wonderful baked goods, it's crazy.  I highly recommend their pumpkin muffies - they are my favorite! 

Panera has so many soups to choose from, making a decision can be difficult. Broccoli cheddar, tomato, garden vegetable with pesto, clam chowder... how can you possibly decide? The answer is to simply go to Panera multiple times and try each and every one of them. You will not be disappointed! 

Plus, the service is always wonderful and the employees are friendly and willing to do whatever they can to make your experience memorable. 

When you need some comfort food or simply a big, warm bowl of soup, try Panera Bread & Bakery. 

Disclaimer: I received a gift card for Panera Bread from DailyBuzz Food in exchange for this post. I am also receiving a stipend. All pictures taken and opinions given in the post are my own. 

Hearty Lentil & Split-Pea Soup

As winter begins to set in and nights grow colder, cravings for soup start to haunt you. I love soup. It's all I want and the first thing I look for whenever I eat at my cafeteria right now. 

I have especially fond memories involving split pea soup. As a child, my mom and I would bundle up in our winter clothes, walk to Krogers, buy some split pea soup off the hot bar, and sit on the snow covered hill where we would eat our soup. 

I've always loved split pea soup. It's hearty and delicious, that's for sure. Here is a recipe I tried a couple weeks ago.. and it was ah-ma-zing!

Hearty Lentil Split-Pea Soup
Based on this recipe
3 T. olive oil
1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 fresh bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. dried split peas
1 c. dried lentils
8 c. vegetable broth
juice of one lemon


1. Heat up oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrot, garlic and bay leaves. Sautee together until onions and carrots are soft. 
2. Add salt and pepper, peas, lentils, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer, stirring often, until the peas are soft (about 40 minutes to 1 hour). 
3. Place about half of the soup in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add it back to the pot and then add the lemon juice. 
4. Stir together and cook for about 10 minutes. 
5. Remove the bay leaves. 
6. Serve!


What's your favorite kind of soup?
Much love,